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All You Need to Know About Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day

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Published on July 14, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Hepatitis is a debilitating infection of the liver and causes about 1.34 million fatalities each year on average. This viral infection is responsible for approximately as many deaths as serious diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis. A whopping 80% of liver cancer cases are caused by hepatitis C and B virus. Moreover, profiling this disease is a challenge due to the differences observed in infections across different geographical locations, cultural and ethnic groups. In order to raise awareness about this condition and preventative measures, World Hepatitis Day is observed on the 28th of July. Read on to know more about the significance of this annual event and important information about hepatitis:

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a disease that leads to liver inflammation, and can further cause health complications like fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. This disease is caused primarily by the hepatitis viruses, but intaking toxic substances such as certain drugs or alcohol can also result in this infection. The five types of hepatitis viruses are type A, type B, type C, type D and type E. These viruses can cause damage on a massive scale and types B and C, which cause chronic infection, are responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths globally.

Hepatitis Type A and E travel via contaminated water or food, whereas types B, C, D generally spread from the bodily fluids of someone who is infected. The viruses are easily communicable via contaminated blood, contaminated medical equipment, mother to child transference during childbirth, and so on.

Importance of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is observed on the 28th of July and focuses on raising awareness about the disease and its prevention. It coincides with the birth of Baruch Samuel Blumberg, whose research showed that the hepatitis virus could also cause liver cancer. He created a highly effective screening test that helped bring down the infection rate of hepatitis type B from 15% to 1% in children in China, in just one decade.

World Hepatitis Day not only promotes education about this disease and its transmission but also gives people all over the world an opportunity to voice their concerns and demands for public health policies by the government. It also highlights the importance of better screening tests, more preventative measures like vaccine drives and healthcare in remote areas.

Prevention tips for Hepatitis

1. Vaccination

Thanks to the progress in medicine and healthcare in the past century or so, today hepatitis can be prevented to a significant extent with a vaccine. For instance, the hepatitis A vaccine is administered in children older than a year, followed up by a booster shot for long-lasting protection. The vaccine typically comes into effect after the 4-week mark. Here is a list of people who may be more susceptible to contracting hepatitis

• ● People who come in direct contact with someone who already has the disease
• ● Healthcare professionals and laboratory staff
• ● Military personnel
• ● People who engage in unprotected sex
• ● People who are carrying a sexually transmitted disease
• ● People who use drugs

2. Consume clean water and food

It is imperative that you only consume clean, uncontaminated water and food. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

• ● Do not eat raw meat, dairy products or fish
• ● Avoid eating pre-peeled or cut fruits or vegetables from street stalls
• ● Avoid tap water ice, or ice from roadside vendors
• ● Only drink filtered or boiled water

3. Maintain proper hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is of critical importance. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, after going to the washroom, and after touching anything in public spaces such as public transport. Always wear protection like gloves and masks if you are going to come in contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids. Make sure to clean yourself with a disinfectant and antiseptic soap after coming in contact with patients.

Importance of Health Insurance

Serious medical conditions like hepatitis not only impact the patient’s health and quality of life but also their peace of mind and their family’s too. Moreover, the treatment, medical check-ups, medicines and hospitalization expenses can all put a huge dent in your finances. In order to ensure that you or your loved ones are financially protected in case of a medical emergency, you can opt for a health insurance plan. If you are concerned that you may be at risk of contracting hepatitis, you can search for plans that specifically address your needs. Most health policies cover hepatitis and some cover related expenses as well, so you can rest assured that all the best health insurance plans in Indiaoffer coverage for this health condition. Considering the wide range of policies on offer, you should do your research and compare the best health insurance plans in India to find the one that is most suitable for you.

Conclusion

Without sufficient awareness, information, screening, prevention and treatment services, millions will continue to suffer due to hepatitis. Hence, on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day it is important to acknowledge the gravity of this global issue and raise our voices to promote action against this disease.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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